diff --git a/lib/ansible/modules/files/copy.py b/lib/ansible/modules/files/copy.py
index d3fb168da01..aa390b2a7b2 100644
--- a/lib/ansible/modules/files/copy.py
+++ b/lib/ansible/modules/files/copy.py
@@ -260,7 +260,7 @@ def main():
             backup            = dict(default=False, type='bool'),
             force             = dict(default=True, aliases=['thirsty'], type='bool'),
             validate          = dict(required=False, type='str'),
-            directory_mode    = dict(required=False),
+            directory_mode    = dict(required=False, type='raw'),
             remote_src        = dict(required=False, type='bool'),
         ),
         add_file_common_args=True,